Buying a smartphone or a tablet for your child this Christmas?

21 December 2015, David Owen, Senior Communications Executive

If your child has a smartphone or tablet, or if you are buying one this Christmas, make sure they know about treating the devices like a wallet. Talk to your child about what they use the device for. Having these conversations now could help you avoid an unexpected bill later on.

Over half of 3 to 4 year-olds and three quarters of 12 to 15 year-olds use a tablet* and gaming in-app purchases, donating to charity or voting for your favourite contestant in TV shows can be done quickly and efficiently through operator billing. Such purchases can be charged to your phone bill or pay-as-you-go credit.

Our top tips if your child is using a smartphone or a tablet

Before downloading an app, check the permissions for in-app purchases.

Although an app is free for download, it may incur charges later or for upgrading to the next level or for ad-free versions. Explain that clicking on these things is like spending real money, even if the app is free.

Explain to your child that even when playing free games on a mobile device, buying extra lives, coins or moving to the next may cost real money.

Be aware of where you click – clicking on ‘buy’ buttons can lead to spending real money.